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Wally Andersen, Opposition Critic for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs and
MHA for the District of Torngat Mountains, says he cannot understand why
government failed to provide funding for an auditorium for young people in
Labrador. "If there is one item that has been requested by the people of
Labrador, it is an auditorium in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for use by young
people throughout Labrador," said Andersen. "The need was raised, but the
government failed to deliver to the people in Labrador.
"Government should be committed to this project because it is the right
thing to do. A new facility is definitely needed in order to provide a venue
for the performing arts for all of Labrador, not just Happy Valley-Goose
Bay. In my district, one has to only look at the faces of the children who
have participated in events like the Creative Arts Festival to realize that
this facility is a must.
"When Goose High School closed in 2003, so did the region’s only theatre
for the performing arts. Labrador has many unique cultures and histories,
and the performing arts allows us to keep our heritage strong and vibrant.
It would be a shame if our people are denied the opportunity to exercise
their creative skills on stage in a facility that is long overdue."
Last year, the Conservative government deferred construction of the $2.4
million auditorium that would accommodate 350 people. The project had been
approved in 2003 under the direction of the Grimes government.
"Premier Williams received the message loud and clear of the need for an
auditorium, but he has failed to invest in the most important resource in
Labrador, our youth. The government spent $48 million in the budget to pay
off The Rooms that has not yet opened it’s doors, yet it is unwilling to
invest in Labrador infrastructure for the arts."
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